AUG 5 -- (WASHINGTON) – Mr. Anthony Placido, Chief of Intelligence for the Drug Enforcement Administration, will take part in a panel discussion as part of the Border Security Conference to be held on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso August 11-12.

Mr. Placido will be speaking about contraband on the border with fellow panelists: Ms. Leslie Bassett, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy in Mexico; Mr. David Johnson, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs; Michael Sullivan, Acting Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; John Torres, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and Jose Luis Santiago Vasconcelos, Mexico Deputy Attorney General for Special Investigation into Organized Crime.

Now in its fifth year, the annual conference is unique in that it brings together several hundred leaders from the public and private sectors in the United States and Mexico to explore how best to safeguard our common borders, while simultaneously fostering the continued human and economic development of our two nations.

Since being named as Chief of Intelligence, Mr. Placido has led successful efforts to have DEA readmitted as a member of the U.S. Intelligence Community and to take a staff position at the National Security Council. During his tenure, he has also reinvigorated the El Paso Intelligence Center and expanded information sharing programs.

Media wishing to interview Mr. Placido regarding the conference should call DEA Public Affairs at 202-307-7977.